Declines in flexibility, stamina and strength were once considered an inevitable consequence of aging but studies have proven that with exercise many of these functional losses can be reversed in even the frailest and oldest men and women.
Maureen Black had always been a very active senior. She loved walking, playing cards and was a member of various community groups and clubs. After the death of her husband, Maureen’s life was different and she started to spiral down the frailty cycle.
Black was plagued by multiple health problems including heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), peripheral edema, macular degeneration and sleep apnea. These medical conditions contributed to a general feeling of exhaustion and a lack of ability or motivation to be more mobile.
Her reduced mobility contributed to weakness and reduced balance which resulted in a fall that left her with a large contusion on her upper right arm and a limited range of motion in that arm.
When Black visited her doctor, she was put on oxygen for her COPD and warned that she would be required to permanently revoke her driver’s licence if her physical conditions did not improve. It was at this time that the doctor recommended Black to the VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) program.
When the program coordinator and volunteer Glenda Rose worked with her the first time, Black struggled with most of the exercises. Her maximum repetitions for some exercises were two, she had to end her three-minute walk after 1 1/2 minutes and needed 2-5 minutes rest between sets to get her breathing back to a normal rate.
At the end of the session she was very tired but acknowledged that she had enjoyed the exercising and was determined to improve her fitness level.
Black was adamant she was not going to lose her driver’s licence. Rose being impressed with Black’s positive attitude was eager to help her accomplish the fitness goals she had established.
Black’s optimistic attitude and the once a week SMART in home visits prompted her to exercise on her own as well. After six weeks, Black was doing the exercises at least three times on her own and once with Glenda. She had increased her reps to 10 and was walking for five minutes.
Having completed her 12th SMART program session, Black is now capable of completing 15 repetitions, maintains that she feels better, has more energy and will continue to keep up with the exercise.
On her last visit to the doctor, Black was taken off oxygen and given permission from her doctor to drive again.
Black’s story is an acknowledgement that exercise will improve our ability to function at any age or fitness level. Frailty is a state that is reversible and people can transition from frail to fit.
The VON SMART program allows seniors to improve fitness, health and vigor. and organizers says the program needs more volunteers. Anyone looking to make a difference in a senior’s life and interesting in learning more about the 14 exercises of the VON SMART in-home program is encouraged to contact VON client care coordinator Kelly Gee at 519-323-2330 ext 4953 or email her at kelly.gee@von.ca.
